So here we are in the first working
week of 2016, starting a fresh page in diaries and in life. (
Although, as in any good book, there will be some continuity too –
otherwise how would long-term projects like re-training ex-racehorses
ever make progress?)
Those of you who have ex-racehorses can
use the turn of the year to make a new start for them too, whether
that's teaching them a new skill, a new discipline, or even inducting
them into their whole new ex-racing life.
In the best tradition, here are some
New Year Resolutions you might like to try :
Teach your ex-racer something new
It doesn't need to
be anything big or dramatic. Standing still to be mounted, perhaps.
Or how to do a proper circle. But, sure – if you're already way
past that stage, why not try a whole new discipline? Dressage,
perhaps, or showjumping, or Le Trec, or maybe try a day's hunting.
Take your ex-racer on an away-day
Ex-racehorses
usually thrive on routine, but they are also highly intelligent and
new experiences can entertain, enthuse, challenge and reinvigorate
them. So why not take them for a day out – for a show, ( probably
indoors, if you're aiming to go at this time of year), an ex-racer
parade, a charity/pleasure ride, or even a days riding at the beach?
It may be sensible to go along with another horse - one of you boy's
steady pals, who will reassure him ( and that way you can share
travel costs too!). But it will do your ex-racer good to go
somewhere that isn't racing – and find he enjoys it. And it will
help his confidence, and the bond between you, to come back home
together afterwards. You'll find it rewarding for both of you.
Have your ex-racer's back and joints
checked out by a good horse physio.
As any retired
sportsman will confirm, old sporting injuries can come back to bother
you – if you try something new, if the weather's bad, or just for
no obvious reason at all. It's a good idea to have your ex-racehorse
checked over once a year. Even if there is nothing obviously wrong,
there may be hidden strains or tweaks that will benefit hugely from a
physio's expert hands and a few remedial exercises. If you do this
regularly already, perhaps it might be worth trying another
practitioner? They are all different, with their own specialist
skills for both diagnosis and treatment. A new new pair of hands, and
eyes, may provide the answer to a long-standing issue.
Do something to support racehorse
retraining charities
Even if you did
not get your own ex-racer from one of the charitable re-homing
centres, you will know about the fantastic work they do and how
desperate they always are for funds. Why not get in touch with one or
two and enquire about ways you could help? It could be simply giving
a donation, but you may be able to help in other ways too. If you are
geographically near enough, you might be able to offer some time as a
volunteer. If you are good with words, or social media, perhaps you
could help with publicity and profile-raising? Or you could organise
your own fundraising event – a show, perhaps, or a sponsored
ride/swim/walk, or baking cakes to sell, or a jumble sale....
And of course, you
can enroll your ex-racehorse with ROR, to take part in their
competitions throughout the year.
Check out ROR's Events Calendar, &
Others
Put in your diary
every ex-racehorse event you even vaguely fancy attending, with or
without your horse. Then you can plan ahead, school and practice,
sort out tack and clothes, and organise transport and holiday time,
so that you and your ex-racer can make the best of experiences new
and old in 2016.
Have a great year!